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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Republic of Malta, issued in 2025 in a circulation of 100,000 copies. The second in the series "Maltese Fortress Cities". Dedicated to Mdina. Minted at the Paris Mint. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a panorama of Mdina - the characteristic fortress walls with the main gate (Mdina Gate), the baroque Cathedral of St. Paul behind the walls, the silhouettes of the domes. At the top in an arc - the inscription "Mdina". At the bottom - "MALTA" and the year "2025". On the outer ring - 12 EU stars.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders - a symbol of European unity. On the left - a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring - 12 stars of the European Union. The edge - with fine ribbing, with a Maltese cross and the inscription "★ 2 ★".
Historical context
Mdina is an ancient fortified city located on a hill in the center of Malta. The former capital of the island until 1530, when the Knights of St. John moved the center to Birgu, then Valletta. Founded by the Phoenicians around 700 BC as Little Malta (Maleth). Under the Romans (218 BC - 5th century AD), the city was called Melita and covered a much larger area. Here, according to legend, in 60 AD, Saint Paul, having suffered a shipwreck, preached the Gospel and converted the Roman proconsul Publius, who became the first bishop of Malta. The name "Mdina" comes from the Arab period (870-1091), when the city was significantly reduced behind the walls. In the 12th-15th centuries, Mdina was the residence of the Maltese nobility. After the earthquake of 1693, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style (architect Lorenzo Gafa) - the current Cathedral of St. Paul. Today, Mdina is a "Silent City" (Città Notabile, Città Silente) with a population of about 250 people, but its historic walls and narrow streets attract tourists.